Intersections are some of the most dangerous parts of a road. This is because many accidents that happen there are often devastating in nature. While drivers can get into collisions anywhere, motorists get increasingly vulnerable at traffic lights. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of traffic light accidents is a driver who fails to notice the signal and runs the light.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another party, you deserve compensation. Many drivers disobey the traffic lights. You should hold them liable for your damages instead of letting them get away. To know more about your legal options, speak with an attorney today.
Causes of car accidents at traffic signals
-
Failing to stop at the red light or stop sign.
It is extremely important to follow traffic rules, which include obeying traffic signals and road signs. Many drivers do not take red lights seriously and attempt to run them, causing a devastating car accident. Even if you have done it before many times without causing a collision, you should stop this particular behavior if you engage in it. Drivers in the opposite direction may be going too fast to react to your vehicle in time.
-
Distracted driving.
Driving distracted when approaching a traffic light or an intersection may cause a severe accident. Not paying attention on the road causes drivers to run red lights and collide with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. In many states, texting and driving are illegal. Therefore, you will have to pay hefty fines if you are caught.
-
Trying to make it through a yellow light.
When you are driving and approaching an intersection, you may sometimes find the traffic light blinking yellow. Do not take it as a challenge to quickly pass through the intersection before it turns red. Instead, take it as a sign to slow down and eventually stop at the yellow light. Wait for the signal to turn red and then green to resume driving. Do this even if you are late for a meeting or another event. Reaching late is better than never.
-
Tailgating.
Tailgating is the act of following the car in front of you too closely. This is never a good idea because it gives you little to no time to react if the other vehicle suddenly stops. Tailgating is even worse when you approach an intersection. The driver may reduce their speed and make a stop at the intersection, and you may not have enough time to stop your vehicle, resulting in a rear-end collision.